Wednesday Sector Laggards: Technology & Communications, Industrial

In afternoon trading on Wednesday, Technology & Communications stocks are the worst performing sector, showing a 0.1% loss. Within that group, F5 Networks (NASD: FFIV) and Linear Technology (NASD: LLTC) are two of the day's laggards, showing a loss of 1.9% and 1.2%, respectively. Among technology ETFs, one ETF following the sector is the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (AMEX: XLK), which is down 0.1% on the day, and up 7.29% year-to-date. F5 Networks, meanwhile, is up 22.66% year-to-date, and Linear Technology is up 3.86% year-to-date. Combined, FFIV and LLTC make up approximately 0.6% of the underlying holdings of XLK.

The next worst performing sector is the Industrial sector, not showing much of a gain. Among large Industrial stocks, ADT (NYSE: ADT) and Flowserve (NYSE: FLS) are the most notable, showing a loss of 1.7% and 1.3%, respectively. One ETF closely tracking Industrial stocks is the Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI), which is flat on the day in midday trading, and up 4.89% on a year-to-date basis. ADT, meanwhile, is down 14.44% year-to-date, and Flowserve, is down 2.59% year-to-date. Combined, ADT and FLS make up approximately 0.9% of the underlying holdings of XLI.

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Comparing these stocks and ETFs on a trailing twelve month basis, below is a relative stock price performance chart, with each of the symbols shown in a different color as labeled in the legend at the bottom:

Here's a snapshot of how the S&P 500 components within the various sectors are faring in afternoon trading on Wednesday. As you can see, seven sectors are up on the day, while one sector is down.